Respond!

Respond!

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 KJV

A little context: this is the letter written to the church in Laodicea by the One who introduces Himself as 'the Amen, faithful and true witness'. It seems to me that when I say Amen to prayers, I am invoking the name of this God speaking here and I am also acknowledging His power. He is called a witness, which means that He can testify to the things that have happened, are happening now, and will also happen in the nearest future. So when a person like this speaks and says: "I know your works", you have to sit up and take notice. He's not one to be fooled by external showmanship. 

And by this fact alone, a decision is required from me. Knowing all I know now about God, and certain that I cannot deceive Him, what is required of me? God already indicates that He cannot deal with lukewarm people; I need to make up my mind what is going to happen going forward. Would it be much the same as always, or a new direction under God's leading and direction? 

And the writer goes on to tell the church what only a witness could know; very personal and private things. I am sure there would be people who would have applauded this church as a model for others, or would love to be associated with it, but the view of the witness was that the church was not all it presented itself to be. And at the end of the day, the view of the witness is all that matters. 

And the witness doesn't leave things in a mess; He diagnoses the problem and proffers an eternal solution. He stands at the door of the heart, seeking to come in and make the necessary changes. Without that inner Presence, there is not much that will change on the outside. We can keep up appearances, or we can come to the Witness for help with present and future challenges. 

He will not force Himself on me, but He will not always contend with me forever. Just as the church was told, so does He tell me now: open up to me whilst you still have time. Events around the world point to a shaking of all that's familiar. Would you want to face these uncertain times without the help and support of the Witness? He is knocking; open up to Him and let Him do what He alone can do. Your eternity will be glad you did. His time of favour is here.